Photo Credit: Leela Cyd
One of the coolest things about living in an international place like San Francisco is that the city is constantly changing. It seems like every time we walk down one of the major streets, from Valencia to Union, there are new restaurants, boutiques, and bars. One area that’s got some new faces? Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights. Here’s our guide to the area including what’s new and what’s old—but still hot enough to be worth a revisit.
What’s New
If you’ve walked near the corner of Fillmore and Sacramento Street you may have noticed an intoxicating scent in the air. It’s the undeniable smell of fresh waffle batter being turned into ice cream cones at Salt & Straw. Portland’s famed ice cream shop has finally come to SF. For the first couple of weeks it was open, a long line formed around the block, but now it’s easier to get a cup or cone. Skip any wait by purchasing pints of the insanely good ice cream. Our favorite flavors? Chocolate gooey brownie, peach vinegar cobbler with toasted nutmeg, and salted honey marshmallow with walnuts.
Two years ago SF’s favorite local roaster, Blue Bottle Coffee, announced plans to open a location on Fillmore Street. However a series of setbacks pushed the opening back—until now. The open space on the corner of Jackson Street is an airy and inviting coffee shop. On the menu? Blue Bottle’s signature drip coffees, full-bodied espresso drinks, and beloved New Orleans-style cold brew.
Where to Shop
Rag & Bone, James Perse, Ralph Lauren, Elizabeth Charles, Joie, Rebecca Minkoff, Heidi Says—the shopping on Fillmore Street is some of the best in the city. There’s a sensational bookstore, Browser Books, stationary chain, Paper-Source, and upscale children’s boutique Mudpie. For beauty needs, Fillmore is home to Mac, Benefit, the Social Beauty Co., Nars, and SpaceNK. Skincare requirements are met by Khiel’s, Le Labo, and Aesop while fitness fanatics can shop for sweat-absorbent leggings and yoga mats at Prana and Athleta. Nest, Jonathan Adler, and Flor cover home goods requirements.
Locally-based green fashion brand, Amour Vert has recently opened a popup on Fillmore. Here, you can find flirty printed dresses, silk skirts, and super soft tees. Don’t feel guilty about shopping—with every shirt sold, the brand plants a tree, so you can feel good about your investment as its giving back to the community.
Intermix opened its second Northern California location last year and it’s a great place to shop for contemporary brands like Veronica Beard and Zimmerman. Another place that opened last year? Frye, the luxe leather brand and boot maker whose shoes will last a lifetime.
At Sandro, Francophiles can shop for women’s and men’s collections of perfectly cut dresses, tailored tops, and military jackets. The chic Parisian label has held court on Fillmore for the past four years and it is a preferred shopping spot for many a Bay Area-based PYT.
Where to Eat
The Elite Cafe was closed for several months for a revamp. It opened earlier this year better than ever with a new chef and cocktail program. The famous meetinghouse biscuits are still on the menu, but there are a few new favorites like the Southern friech chicken dinner, the blackened catfish, and Straus Diary organic soft serve ice cream.
